Elsden, Robert V. “Bob”

March 16th, 2017

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving Bob on Thursday, March 16, 2017. He was born on October 20, 1926 in Shawinigan Falls, Quebec and is predeceased by his parents Vernon and Olive, in-laws Minnie and Lloyd Shiry, son Kerney, and his sister, Betty McTaggart. Left to mourn this wonderful man is his devoted wife of 66 years, Kay. Dearly treasured and remembered by his daughters Gail Mair (Jacques), Wendy King (Steve), Judi Elsden (David) and grandsons Michael and Ryan Mair, Aaron King (Laura), Nathan King (Claire), Denny Skrypnyk (Dana), and Justin Skrypnyk (Hollie). Grandpa Bob will also be missed by his six great-grandchildren: Kaleb, Gabrielle, Darius, Karma, Odin and Hudson. Also greatly loved and missed by his sister, Nancy (Vic), and her family in California as well as a wide circle of special friends who made his life happily filled. After moving to Kitchener, Bob met Kay and after serving in the Navy, they were married in 1950. His career in media began in London when he started working in the sales department for CFPL radio in 1950. Transferred to the newly opened CFPL television station in 1953, over 42 years with CFPL, he retired as President of Broadcasting Communications System. During these years, he was recognized for his many achievements and contributions to Canadian media. He was Chairman of the Board of Television Bureau of Canada 1982-83 and First Chairman of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Television Board from 1985 to 1986. He was named the Broadcaster of the Year by the Central Canada Broadcasters' Association in 1989. His achievements were obtained not only by himself, but in collaboration with a wide range of colleagues and support from his family. He was a pioneer in the television industry. With Kay by his side, Bob relished his numerous travels and trips abroad to Europe and other beautiful destinations. Along the way, many lifelong friendships were made. After he retired, Bob continued to be involved in the community, even as he had been while working. He was Chairman of the Victoria Hospital Foundation when the hospital amalgamated with University Hospital to become the London Health Sciences Centre in 1995. Bob loved the challenge of games and sports. From early basketball with the Y Blues in Kitchener to numerous bridge games with many friends, golf remained his true passion. Particularly in his retirement, his greatest pleasure was golfing with his buddies at the London Hunt Club. Bob's workshop was a woodworker's paradise. He could fix anything and had a vivid imagination and talent that could transform an ordinary piece of driftwood into a unique beautiful piece of art. Summers spent at Kay and Bob's cottage at Southcott Pines in Grand Bend with family and friends were his greatest joy. Stepping through his beautiful moongate to sit on his favourite chair enjoying the gentle breezes from the shores of Lake Huron with sailboats silently passing by, and gorgeous sunsets on the horizon, was for him total peace. There is no adequate way to say goodbye to the most important man of your life. He will always be remembered for his kindness to everyone, his wonderful smile, his ability to show optimism in times of adversity and his never ending love for his family and those he held dear, especially his loving wife Kay. Death cannot diminish the important ways our loved one has touched our lives. Grief cannot take away the happiness we shared. Sorrow will fade in time but our love remains forever in our hearts. Bob was a gentle man and will be greatly missed. The family wishes to extend our thanks and gratitude to the staff at University Hospital who kept Bob comfortable during his time there and who offered their compassionate support to his family. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the memorial service will be conducted on Monday, March 20th, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital (c/o the London Health Sciences Foundation).

Book of Condolences

Bob and Rose HannenWe were sorry to hear of Bob"s passing. He was a wonderful neighbour and friend to us during our time in London.

Rob and Barb McTaggartSorry for your loss...our thoughts are with you and your family at this time...

Richard&Dorothy LowWe sense Bob's loss big time!Our heartfelt sympathy to you,Kay,and all family members.Bob was a special friend and will be greatly missed....and we will keep in touch you,Kay.We hope the thoughts of your many friends will be of comfort to you. Dot&Dick

Alan NelsonI dealt with Bob when I was Associate Media Director at Vickers &a Benson in the early 1970's.
He was one of the true gentlemen in the business. I always look ed forward to seeing him.
So sorry for your loss

Ruth GutpellTo Kay & Family
I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. May all the wonderfull memories you have had over the years help you through this difficult time.

Norma ClareDear Kay,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in your sad loss. In fondness, I remember the good times shared with you, Bob and family.
Thinking of you . . . Norma Clare

John & Pam WrightDear Kay & Family - Our warm thoughts are with you all today and this week coming, remembering Bob as such a great friend to Keith & Nancy and our family. John has great memories of Bob as a mentor in the Media Business after finishing Radio-Tv at Ryerson and through the 80's. We were indeed fortunate to have enjoyed Bob's great sense of humor and your combined love affair with life and each other. God Bless. xoxo - John & Pam in Muskoka.ROAD

Marcia (Smith) McArthurKay, I was so sorry to read of Bob's passing. I remember such a wonderful man from when I would visit you with Mom and Dad (Norman and Thelma Smith) I so regret not getting Mom out to visit you in Grand Bend . I am on vacation right now so have not yet told Mom. I will be home in a week so may not tell her until then, I know she is going to be very upset. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today and always.
Marcia (Smith) McArthur

Nancy Johnson and Mark McCurdyWe remember Bob from our early days at CFPL-TV. Mark was in News and I was in the Promotion department. Bob was always a true gentleman and we really appreciated his support when we left in 1976 to launch Lockwood Films. We send our most sincere sympathy at the loss of such a special and important person in all your lives. We know he made an impact on ours.
Peace, Nancy and Mark